Audi RS4 Goes Away At Least For Now...
 

The end of Audi RS4 production is coming sooner than expected, according to Dutch website Autoblog. Audi's RS model of the A4 will begin to die a somewhat-temporary death, with production of the sedan ending in early November.


Avant models should begin disappearing from the landscape before 2008 rolls in, with the Cabrio hanging on to dear life a little bit longer, reports the Dutch site.

Eventually, the new A4 will have a model badged as an RS, but until then Audi celebrants will have the choice of either using the new A4 as a stop-gap or switching to competitors' models. Rival models include the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz C63.

Production dates of a new RS4 are unknown

That's old news, and completely expected...not sure why Autoblog would report otherwise. The platform is being replaced, and as with all European manufacturers, the high-performance models follow a year or two after the standard models are released...

I think their main point was that current production is ending so soon and perhaps a bit earlier than expected, hence their story and the post...

I like what some manufactuers are doing now though, like Mercedes with the AMGs, just releasing them all at once and letting people choose what they want and not have to wait.

I can't wait to drive the new C63...

I'll probably get an RS4 or S5 to replace my S4 when the lease is up.

C63 should be quick, but I don't want to drive an automatic trans.

I love my RS4. I owned an '05.5 S4 before my 911 and it was great. The RS4 is an order of magnitude better than the S4. If you haven't driven one yet, you need to.

What are your thoughts on the new GT-R? Despite its 3800 pound weight, I'm still intrigued.

I think mechanically/dynamically it'll be awesome, but it looks like butt-crack. I might change my mind when I see it in person or in a darker color.

Also, I bet the tuning potential to 600+ hp is there as well...

Chris - how are the S4 and RS4 as far as balance? You read so much criticism in the magazines about how far forward the engine sits, but it would be interested to get your opinion (as an owner of both). I ask because I want to downsize my daily driver to something more sporty. I have an S500 and need a backseat now and again because of kids - I know it's small, but my kids are young. I just need more room than my 996 allowed.

I've got an S4 on order - my third. The cars are extremely well balanced, powerful and quick. The back seat's a bit of a squeeze, but nothing compared to the 996 (which I still consider a 2 seater). The S4 will be my daily commuter. They're fun cars - RS4's are loads faster, but also around $20K more. For me, wasn't worth the extra $$$.

Yes, I test drove one. It is better than the S4, but the S4 is still a great car.

I do still prefer the 911 over the RS4. To me, the 911 is a sports car and the RS4/S4 a sports sedan.

The RS4 feels like it has much less understeer than the S4. Compared to my Carrera S, the RS4's weight is very noticeable, but things are all relative. The RS4 is still VERY capable, even compared to most sports cars. Obviously the 911 is a much better corner carver, but the RS4 kills in the daily grind (and when winter rolls in).

Dynamically, I'd put the RS4 third on my all-time list, dynamically.

1. Carrera S
2. Evo VIII
3. RS4

I love this car. Once I pay it off, I'll get another car for fun/weekends/etc.